I am sorry to report that Tom Jones, a long-time Alabama law professor, passed away yesterday evening. I have so many stories about Tom, who was a legendary figure in Alabama Law School history. Tom come to Tuscaloosa in 1962, back when we were in the Farrah Building on the University's quad. He spent his entire career here and was an important figure in law reform in the state. He helped shepherd the Uniform Probate Code through the Alabama legislature in the early 1970s, with some key modifications, especially on the spousal elective share. When I arrived here in 2001 Tom was extremely generous with his time in getting me oriented to the vagaries of the Alabama probate code and in getting me introduced to trust and estate lawyers here. One of the stories that stays in my mind the most, though is that Tom said one day that he realized I'm interested in history. Then he said, I saw Governor Wallace stand in the door. The Farrah building backed up to Foster Auditorium (where Governor Wallace made his stand) and apparently everyone in the law school was looking out the Farrah building's back windows. Tom saw a lot of history in this town and presided over so much change. He was an institution around these parts, a beloved teacher who'd taught I guess just about every graduate of UA Law for nearly fifty years. And he was the consummate gentleman; he was always around the law school, working on his law reform projects, talking to the newer faculty and the students, and tutoring primary and secondary school students. We have lost a great person. And I'd add that I think Tom's likes are not to be seen again soon. He was such a special person and mentor to so many, me included.
Update: There will be a memorial service for Tom on Thursday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa. Visitation will follow in the Family Life Center at the church.
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